BRIDGETON - 37 years ago the Deerfield Township Harvest Festival was held for the first time and now it attracts about 40,000 people each year.“We started it at a time when Deerfield was having some issues in the 1970s that we’re negative and we got a lot of negative publicity that had to do with the police department and other things," said Tony Stanzione, Publicity Chairman. "And that’s one of the reasons we started it, to do a positive event for the town.”Kids can enjoy rides, games, arts and crafts, and new this year, a tour for the whole family.“On Saturday afternoon only, if you’re interested in taking a free tour of the farms, they’ll be going from the festival site at 1:00, 2:30, and 4:00," said Stanzione. "It’s free so you jump on the little trolley ride and we’ll give you a little tour of the town.”For the adults, there will be live entertainment all weekend long.“On Saturday night we have something really different we have rock music from different tribute bands," said Stanzione. "And they’re a tribute to Boston, Aerosmith, and Bon Jovi.”All leading up to the big night when the country music group, Parmalee, takes the stage for the thousands of people on the field. Admission is only $1 on Friday and $2 on Saturday and Sunday.“For that you can come in and enjoy the food, once you get in all the entertainment is free so whether you want to see a band like Parmalee, a local band like the Jack Neff Band, Rainbow the clown, a guy on stilts, a BMX bike show or a trampoline show,” said Stanzione.The four-day festival starts tonight with "Amusement Ride Night" and admission is free only tonight for everyone to get a chance on any rides at the Deerfield Township Harvest Festival.To learn more, visit the Deerfield Township Harvest Festival's website at http://deerfieldtownship.org/harvestfestival/index.htm.

SNJ Today is a Southern New Jersey news and information source based in Millville, New Jersey that is dedicated to providing current stories related specifically to South Jersey.